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Steve Kerr, Damian Lillard react to the firing of Mike Budenholzer
Albeit totally unsurprising given how the Milwaukee Bucks spectacularly imploded in their first-round series versus the eighth-seeded Miami Heat, the news of the firing of Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer elicited a lot of feedback from the NBA community. In particular, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard chimed in on Thursday’s intriguing turn of events.
Not necessarily shocked
Speaking to reporters prior to Game 2 of their second-round match-up against the Los Angeles Lakers, Kerr said he was more disappointed than shocked at Bud’s firing, given what he’s done for the franchise over the last five years, including helping to lead them to the NBA title in 2021.
"My first response is not necessarily shock," said Kerr. "It’s more disappointment because Bud is a fantastic coach, just won a championship, and has been wildly successful in his coaching career."
Curiously, Bud’s firing means that the coaches of three of the last four NBA champions have already been canned. The last man standing? Steve Kerr. Prior to Bud’s ouster, Nick Nurse was given the pink slip by the Toronto Raptors last month, while the Lakers parted ways with Frank Vogel after last season.
Kerr explained that this is the nature of the beast—coaches are just as good as the success of their team. When teams start to struggle, it’s the coach who generally takes the brunt of the blame.
"This is the business we’re in," Kerr added. "It happens quickly. Expectations every year for every team are so high, and only one team can win. It’s sad news for the coaching profession. We all believe Bud deserved a lot better. We also are aware that this is the job we chose, and we’re all vulnerable.”
Lillard offers his two cents
Lillard also offers his two cents on the situation, implying that the Bucks were quick on the trigger after the Bucks’ first-round exit.
"Folks out here firing championship coaches as soon as they don't win the chip," Lillard tweeted.
While some may argue that Budenholzer’s ouster was premature, especially given the personal turmoil he was going through at the time, it appears his miscalculations all series long against the Miami Heat were just too much to overcome.
